Australian citizenship is the final milestone for many Nepalis who have built their life here. It opens an Australian passport, the right to vote, access to more job opportunities, and a permanent sense of belonging. But before you apply, there's a lot to understand — including a critical question specific to Nepalis about dual citizenship. Here's everything you need to know.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
To apply for Australian citizenship by conferral (the standard path for migrants), you must meet all of the following:
- →Be a permanent resident of Australia (or an eligible New Zealand citizen)
- →Have lived in Australia lawfully for the past 4 years
- →Have been a permanent resident for at least 1 year immediately before applying
- →Not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months total in the past 4 years
- →Not have been absent for more than 90 days in the 1-year period as a PR
- →Be of good character (no serious criminal convictions)
- →Pass the citizenship test (if aged 18–59)
- →Have an adequate knowledge of English
The 4-year clock starts from when you first arrived in Australia on any lawful visa — not from when you got PR. Time on a student visa, 485, or 482 visa all counts. The 1-year as PR must be the most recent year immediately before you apply.
How to Check If You're Ready
- →Log into ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — your visa grant letter and travel history are there
- →Add up all days you were outside Australia in the past 4 years
- →If total absences are under 12 months AND you have been a PR for over 1 year — you are likely eligible
- →Use the citizenship eligibility checker at homeaffairs.gov.au
- →If you're close but not quite there — wait. There's no benefit to applying early and being refused.
The Citizenship Test
If you are aged 18–59, you must pass the Australian citizenship test. It is straightforward if you prepare using the official study guide.
- →Format: 20 multiple-choice questions online or in person at a Home Affairs office
- →Pass mark: 75% — at least 15 out of 20 correct
- →Time limit: 45 minutes (most finish in under 15 minutes)
- →Study resource: 'Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond' — free PDF at homeaffairs.gov.au
- →Topics: Australian values, history, government, democratic rights, responsibilities of citizens
- →You can retake if you fail — no penalty for retaking
- →Children under 18 and people over 60 do not need to sit the test
The test is not hard if you read the study guide. Most people pass first attempt after 2–3 hours of reading. Focus on the Australian values section, how Parliament works, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- →Step 1: Log into ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- →Step 2: Complete the online citizenship application form
- →Step 3: Upload required documents — passport, PR visa grant, identity documents, character declaration
- →Step 4: Pay the application fee — $490 for adults, $245 for children under 18
- →Step 5: Book and complete the citizenship test at your nearest Home Affairs office
- →Step 6: Attend an interview if requested (not always required)
- →Step 7: Receive your approval letter
- →Step 8: Attend the citizenship ceremony — you officially become a citizen at this event
Processing Times
Processing times vary. As of mid-2026, average processing times are 12–18 months from application to ceremony. There is no way to speed this up by paying more.
- →Current average: approximately 12–18 months
- →You will be notified by email when your test is ready to book
- →Check application status in ImmiAccount at any time
- →Do not contact Home Affairs to chase within the first 6 months — it will not speed anything up
The Citizenship Ceremony
You do not become a citizen when you receive your approval letter — you become a citizen at the ceremony. This is a formal event run by your local council where you take the Australian Citizenship Pledge and receive your certificate.
- →Ceremonies are typically held at your local council — you will be allocated one
- →You can request a different date if the allocated one doesn't suit
- →Bring family — it's a significant milestone and families are warmly welcomed
- →You can apply for an Australian passport immediately after the ceremony
What Changes After Citizenship
- →Australian passport — visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185+ countries including UK, USA, Japan, and Europe
- →Right to vote — voting is compulsory in Australia. Enrol at aec.gov.au immediately after your ceremony.
- →Government and defence jobs — many roles require citizenship, including police, APS, and security-cleared positions
- →Sponsor parents — citizens can sponsor parents for a Parent visa more easily than PRs
- →No visa conditions — live, work and travel freely with no visa concerns ever again
- →Cannot be deported — Australian citizens cannot be deported in almost all circumstances
⚠️ The Nepal Dual Citizenship Question — Read This Carefully
This is the most important section for Nepalis and one that many people don't fully understand before they apply.
Nepal's Constitution (2015) does not permit Nepali citizens to hold citizenship of another country. Under Nepali law, when you voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship, you technically lose your Nepali citizenship. This means becoming an Australian citizen makes you — under Nepal's law — no longer a Nepali citizen.
- →Nepal does NOT allow dual citizenship for adults who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship
- →Becoming an Australian citizen means you technically lose your Nepali citizenship under Nepal's law
- →Nepal does not actively monitor who takes foreign citizenship — it is not enforced automatically
- →Many Nepalis hold both passports in practice, but this technically violates Nepal's law
- →If you formally renounce your Nepali citizenship, you lose the right to own land in Nepal
- →Non-Nepali citizens cannot own or inherit property in Nepal
- →This is a significant personal decision — consult a migration agent or lawyer if you have property or family ties in Nepal
Many Nepali-Australians become Australian citizens and keep their Nepali passport as a travel document for visiting family, without formally renouncing. Legally this is not permitted under Nepal's law, but Nepal does not actively enforce it. If you have property, land, or significant legal ties in Nepal — seek legal advice before applying for citizenship.
Cost Summary
- →Adult application fee: $490
- →Child (under 18): $245
- →Passport after citizenship (adult, 10 years): $354
- →Total cost to become a citizen and get a passport: approximately $844 for an adult
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